Again, Massive Savings to be Made on Lap Band Surgery…

USA – $21,250

Mexico – $7,015

Costa Rica – $9,350

Vietnam – $11,050

Thailand – $11,900

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Creating a better lifestyle can sometimes require a major surgery. You might have tried exercising, eating better, or even “detox” regimens, but none of them were able to keep the weight off for extended periods of time.

When there is nowhere else to turn, bariatric surgery can be the answer.

However, before choosing this option, it’s a good idea to get a better understanding of what to expect. For instance; the only time bariatric surgery is used will be when the individual is dangerously obese.

Bariatric Surgery Options

Bariatric surgery is achieved by either removing a portion of the stomach or using a medical device. In some cases, it’s also possible for the small intestines to be re-routed.

Where does it go? Well, when the latter option is used, the small intestines are directed to a stomach pouch.

This is better known as gastric bypass surgery. Also, gastric bands are the medical devices used to reduce the size of the stomach.

While there are options, your surgeon will provide the best recommendation.

The procedure you have done will depend on your overall health, how much weight needs to be lost, and the safest approach for both parties.

Once a consensus has been made between you and the surgeons (this includes a pre-physical), the bariatric surgery can be scheduled.

Four options for bariatric surgery:

Adjustable Gastric Band

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Losing an extreme amount of weight is the primary focus of this procedure.

Once the body has a portion of the excess weight removed it can start eliminating other health conditions you could be experiencing.

For instance, studies have shown, individuals having bariatric surgery can reduce or eliminate their issues with diabetes.

This benefit alone reduces the morality rate by 20% to 40%.

When someone has to deal with the constant stress of carrying extreme amounts of weight, it’s only creating health issues for the entire body. Do you have a body mass index of 40 or more?

The Importance of Body Mass Index (BMI)

In order for bariatric surgery to be considered an option, your body mass index has to be at least 40.

There are some cases with individuals having a BMI of 35, but they are also dealing with diabetes.

How do you find out your BMI?

There are various ways to figure out your personal body mass index.

We recommend speaking with a doctor and letting them get an exact number.

However, if you’re looking for an estimated area, you can always take your body mass and divide it by the square of your height.

A prime example would be someone who weighs 230 pounds and is 5’7″. This would be considered obese and your body mass index would be greater than 30.

Someone who isn’t considered obese would be 5\\\’3″ and weighs 150 pounds.

While this individual might be considered overweight, his or her BMI would only be 25-30.

Someone in the normal range would weigh at least 150 pounds and be at least 5’2 inches tall. In this case your BMI would be 18.5-25, which is considered “normal.”

Do you qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

There are a several people who believe they should have bariatric surgery, but they fail some of the requirements needed to be approved.

We believe it’s important to know these upfront, especially if this is your first time learning about bariatric surgery.

Look at the list below and see if you would be considered as a candidate:

Body Mass Index (at least 40, or 35 with diabetic conditions)

Diabetes Mellitus

Failed to see results from regular exercising and dieting

Hyperlipidemia

Hypertension

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The Side Effects

Reducing your weight by mass proportions might sound enticing, but there are side effects you could acquire.

Also, these are long term side effects, which could be with you forever:

Gallbladder Disease – While gallbladder disease is primarily found in women, both genders could acquire it. This is usually caused by gallstones, which are formed when the liver produces bile with too much cholesterol. It eventually crystallizes and becomes quite painful. If you have gallbladder disease, you could also end up with jaundice or other issues like fevers and nausea.

Malabsorption – When dealing with malabsorption, the small intestine has a difficult time absorbing nutrients properly. This can develop from bacterial infections, liver disease, gallstones, or a variety of diseases and disorders. It is possible to have malabsorption and gallbladder disease at the same time.

Reoperations – There is no guarantee your initial bariatric surgery will be 100% successful. Often times there are additional surgeries in the years to come. This is especially true when medical devices are used to shrink the stomach. Over time they will need to be replaced. It’s also possible for them to agitate some of the surrounding areas, which means additional trips to the doctor.

These are the primary side effects associated with bariatric surgery. It is not a guarantee you will end up with them, but there is a good possibility. We do understand the alternatives could be worse, so there are people who are willing to go through the future agonies for present relief. If you are over the age of 40, your risks of developing some or all of these problems increases by 20%.

Here are some of the other issues you could end up with after bariatric surgery:

Diarrhea

Hernia

Increased bloatedness

Infections

Pneumonia

Surgical site leaks

Bariatric surgery can also be fatal, but this is extremely rare (.2%).

Finding the right Bariatric Surgeon

We always recommend finding the best surgeons for bariatric surgery.

This is a meticulous procedure and one of the reasons why there are reoperations for patients. Utilizing surgeons that specialize in bariatric surgery & Gastric sleeve surgery is the ideal situation.

Spending the time finding a reputable choice could reduce the risk of future surgical issues.

Dieting after Bariatric Surgery

We can’t stress enough how important to know the diet regimen after bariatric surgery takes place. Immediately following your surgery, a clear liquid diet will take place. The amount of time you’re on this diet will depend on how fast the gastrointestinal tract recovers. It doesn’t have to be fully recovered, but enough to move to the next stage of your dieting.

The next stage of dieting takes around 14 days for most individuals. Everything eaten will still be easily digestible (pureed fruit, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, etc.). Once you have passed this stage, you will be required to stick with a normal diet. The layout depends on the type of bariatric surgery you have done. In most cases, the diet is high in protein and low in fats, as well as alcohol.

Now that you have a better understanding of bariatric surgery, take the time to weigh all your options. This is a major procedure and it requires a well thought out decision.